A meeting of old friends (Parreyon)

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

A few moments ago Arkahn's jaw had nearly fallen from his face. Moments before that he had felt like his one eye would pop out of his socket. Alleria Prime, Capitol of the mighty Allerian Empire, home to greatness, and what had looked so promising on the outside, was fulfilled on the inside. Immediately upon entering the gargantuan city the Tigron had been met by the sight of the greatest tavern he had ever set his two, or after the spider incident, one, eye on. Making sure his mouth was closed Arkahn handed over his horse, to a stableboy, taking the saddlebags and shield from it quickly before slipping the servant several crowns.

Realising that he had been on the road for quite some time the Katta took a few moments to brush the dust of his uniform like clothes. Sand sprang up from his wide trousers, creating a thin cloud around him. Patting his uniform only made more and more dust spring up until Arkahn finally realised that all that would help would be a bath and a good washing of his clothes. Even the copper buttons on his tight, military styled jacket looked dusty from the road. As he moved into the tavern he made a jangling noise as his kopesh that hung from his back swung from left to right and the sabre clacked in it's scabbard which hung loosely from his hip. His once polished boots tapped on the floor and his tail softly brushed the fabric of his dark blue trousers. For a while the Tigron took in his surroundings, adjusted his eyepatch and discarded the idea of getting a room immediately. Food and drinks was the best way to get settled after a long journey, and that this tavern seemed to have in abundance.

Arkahn set himself down at a small table with only one chair, facing the entrance to the large Inn so that he could watch the people outside while he waited for a servant to serve him something to eat and drink.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon had just finished his meeting with Audrey and Arabella and was a bit stiffled at what had occured but promised to keep things quiet until all was revealed to the Empire. He knew that after that meeting, since he couldn't meet up with Mikisho as she was watching over Bella at the moment, he needed a rare drink and some hot food. He didn't feel like staying in the political district of the city and went to the tavern that had the great reputation of fine food and drink.

He walked in the door and did not really notice anything spectacular about the place escept for the larger size compared to most taverns. He glanced the room looking for a place to sit when a strange sight caught his eye ... a one eyed tigron who looked rather thirsty for a beer. He almost let out a laugh when he noticed Arkahn. He hadn't seen his old friend since the two sparred in enamoria and decided to teach a few dogs a new trick or two. Arkahn tried to kill him, Parreyon blinded him and kicked him in the jewels ... spilt milk between old friends.

Parreyon headed over for the table and stretched out his hand, "My my my, they'll let any stray katta in this place now won't they! Good to see you old friend. What brings you to Alleria Prime?"

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn's ears twitched as they caught up on a familiar voice. But was this idiot calling him a stray Katta? The Tigron's head jerked towards the voice, his angry scowl quickly breaking into a surprised scowl. Quickly he accepted the hand extended towards him, grabbing it tight while standing up. [b]"Well old man, you should know that they would accept every stray Katta as good looking as me. Question remains, why did they let you in?{/b] Arkahn grinned his teeth bare. It was as in the good old times when life was less complicated and Arkahn was just an NCO. Always fighting out a battle of wits, making slight verbal jabs at eachother. Truth however was, that there wasn't a man Arkahn had more respect for in the Empire than the Pantheri across from his table.

"It's good seeing you too Parreyon. All is well I hope?" Arkahn asked, looking around for a free chair and offering it to Parreyon the moment he found one, motioning him to sit at his table. "Something is in the air Parreyon. It's change. And I want to be here when everything starts changing. Did you read the Herald?" Arkahn's voice was filled with excitement. [b]"They're calling upon Senators, the Empress is stepping back. This is a turning point in Allerian History, good friend, and we're here to see it all happen before our very eyes."

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon quickly took a seat while waiting for the waitress in order to grab a pitcher and drink to old times. He still remembered Arkahn from the brightening he met him as a member of the Alyssan Guard of Midpoint where Parreyon was serving as a Lieutenant and Prefect for the military fort. The two became quick friends ... in truth, one of Parreyon's closest friends ... and catching up was always a priority when they bumped into each other. Arkahn went straight in with the knife refering to the herald article and changes in the wind. Parreyon knew much more than Arkahn thought. The last time the two had met up in Enamoria and sparred against a bunch of dumb dogs, Parreyon was only a knight and member of The Knights of Alsangrad. Much had changed in his life since that brightening. Had it been so long since last they talked?

"I am well aware of the changes going on around the empire, my friend. I am a part of it," he paused and gave a smile. "A lot has happened in my life since the brightening we beat up those stupid mutt men. First I befriended our Empress Audrey and became a member of her personal guard, The Order of the Black Rose, as well as an Imperial Magistrate with my first trial being the Stephan Woulofen trial, then I was made the Imperial Tribune on the Council of the Crown, Empress De'Lylles council, with the function of serving as her advisor in all legal matters as well as heading her cassassion court for those petitioning to be judged by her directly.

Things have happened too fast since then. I marched to Alleria Prime with her and the army and watched her disappear behind a protective bubble surrounding Prime by the Ancient Allerians. That was when I headed to Enamoria to try and put down this church issue about swearing loyalty to the archbishop. The moment I read the herald article, I charged here as fast as I could. things have been pretty interesting since then." Parreyon left his tale open ended as if their was more he was not telling ... or wasn't allowed to.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn's eye grew bigger at Parreyon's story of what had happened to him in the past months. His hand hung motionless in the air for a moment, calling for a servant who was already beside him. Snapping out of his surprise Arkahn's head quickly turned. "Some of your finest ale for me and my friend here... unless he wants something else to drink that is." He said silently, confusion still lingering in his voice. Once the servant departed Arkahn hung forward over the table. "You're telling me that you know the Empress personally. By all things sacred Parreyon, you surprise me everytime with something new. You will have to tell me everything to the last detail sometime, but please forgive me, I must ask. What is going on in the Empire? What is so interesting about the changes?"

Arkahn knew full well that Parreyon might not be able to answer his questions, but carefully ignored any attention to such insinuations in the Pantheri's voice. As he waited for the Pantheri to reply he gratefully accepted the drink brought by the servant, placing the glass in front of him heavily, staring into the fine liquid. He still couldn't believe it. Parreyon a direct servant to the Empress. At least it meant that he was moving in the right circles himself. Something that might be of benefit later if he wanted to help restore the Empire to it's former glory. For now though, he would have to wait for an answer from Parreyon to see how much the Katta was willing to tell.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

PArreyon took the drink offered him and took a quick swig. He knew Ark was only teasing him about 'if he wanted something else to drink' but Parr still held a preference to fine malts with the occassional glass of zerdargian brandy. He always enjoyed the razzing that he received from Ark ... it made him feel as if his position meant nothing. A good thing considering some people talked to him as if he were something more than he felt. He wanted the position to aid the empire; not to be sought after for favor.

"My Tigron friend. There are things happening that I am unaware of but can feel. I have not yet met with the Empress since my return to Alleria Prime but travel with Arabella De'Lylles who is the protege of Audrey for lack of a better word. Bella and I will be meeting with Audrey here soon to further discuss what is happening and how are roles are to be played out for the empire. You just know that when things are hush hush that something big is brewing in the kettle."

Parreyon reflected on all the possibilities and it could easily have given him a headache. He decided it was best to establish patience and see what his Empress had in store for everyone. He was excited and maybe even niave in thinking that it was all for the best.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn shook his head and grinned, taking a slow sip from his ale, looking at Parreyon from behind his mug. The Pantheri was too diplomatic for his own good, too much of a politician to revert back to regular dialogue even in an informal setting. "Cunning how you manage to say so much yet tell me so little old friend." Arkahn said smirking, placing his mug back on the table. "Sometimes I feel like you've been around politicians for far too long, clouding your ability to tell friend from foe and an informal discussion from a formal meeting of Imperial bigwigs. I'm just a soldier, I do what I'm told and that's just the way I like it. You have to understand that big words and complicated phrases go over my simple militaristic mind." The Tigron's voice was filled with sarcasm and boyish amusement as he spoke to Parreyon. He leaned back in his chair and grabbed the mug of ale again, holding it calmly between his hands as he smiled at Parreyon.

"Now tell me old friend, without diplomacy or political subtlety, what's what these days? If you are sworn by duty not to tell me, then say so and I will not ask any more of you. But if you are allowed by the law to speak, then enlighten me." It wasn't like Arkahn to speak so formally and he hoped Parreyon could see the humor in him doing so as he tried to lighten the conversation a bit for his seemingly tormented friend. Arkahn didn't envy Parreyon. To the Tigron life was fairly simple. He was a soldier. He had a weapon. You took that weapon, looked for an enemy and killed it. The next brightening you looked for another enemy and killed that one too. If there were no enemies you trained to kill future enemies even more efficient. There wasn't much to it, but it was a good life, one that Arkahn wouldn't be able to do without. Parreyon on the other hand had no weapons save for his wit. He had no shield, save for the law. What he lacked mostly though were visible enemies. On his battlefield there weren't two fronts that would shift, no regiments that could be placed strategically, no terrain to be taken into account. Anyone could pose a potential threat of manipulation or corruption. No, by Arkahn's standards he was far better of than his politician friend.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon laughed loudly at the Tigron's humor knowing full well the bluntness of his very nature. If there was anything predictable about Arkahn, it would be his simple and brutish nature. It was relieving to speak on such a plain level, and it was true that he had been swelled within the works of politics. He hated the thought of it but to control the legal system, he had to mingle within the political realm.

"Forgive me my friend and you are correct. It is a curse I must admit. In order for me to effectively control and change laws even if for the better of the Empire, I still must converse with the politicians to gain their approval. Anything I do even if it is a good thing, has to gain approval. I can grasp the unification that it offers and even accept it, but I don't really like it."

Parr took a drink before continuing, "times have changed but the reason I say that I don't fully know anything is because I do not. Audrey has placed the crown on her niece, Arabella. That much I know because I was there. What I don't know and we as a government are working it out is that there really isn't an Articles of Imperium. The structure of the government has changed as well. Less senators and those of us in political position found our positions changed. I am still learning what I can and cannot do with my new title. Before I was the Imperial Tribune. Now I am called the Lord Judicator. Before I served on the Council of the Crown, the highest honor in politics. Now I am called a member of the Imperial Ministers. The Allerians changed everything before they gave control back to us. It's exciting, but it's also scary.

One thing I have learned is that before I controlled the cassassion court to those that appealed to the Empress and also served as her advisor. Now, I am the official acting body of how the law operates. Even though i've been demoted in a sense to a position that directs with the senate, my authority has grown. Soon, I will be writing up a new legal structure to the Empire, presenting to the new senate for vote, and then hopefully get it approved by Empress De'Lylles. I am estatic to think that my name could go down in history like Anna the Srict when she wrote the Annarian code. Think! It will be my legal reform that will get taught to all law students fromt his brightening forward. This goes beyond my wildest dreams." Parreyn took another swig and leaned way back in the base of his chair looking at Arkahn for his expressions on things he just said.

[Morrigan]

OOC: Posting with Permission of Arkahn Th'alashar and Parreyon Syndicus, guest NPC Mod.

What was she doing here?...

Mikisho was now in the largest city in all of the Empire. So many people, so many races from all walks of life were here. Coming, going, making a daily living. In truth, it was terribly overwhelming for the quiet, shadowy furred jagara. Her brilliant blue eyes darting here and there, looking for someone familiar and finding no one. She was truly lost, crushed within a sea of people. Outwardly, calm, serene. Inward, growing more and more anxious.

Finally, she came to her destination. The Crown Inn and Tavern. Mikisho had been given the night off, in fact, the katta jagara hadn't been much needed at all as a bodyguard since her Mistress, the young Arabella de Lylles, had been crowned the new Empress of Alleria. Oh, Mikisho was proud, there was no doubting that. It made her very proud indeed to have both served and hopefully continue to serve the Empress in some sort of fashion. But it seemed that her days as a bodyguard now, were indeed numbered.

A thought that both made the katta a bit sad and widely relieved. Perhaps, she wondered, if Parreyon might have something she could do. Yes, maybe he could use her help. After all, he was the only katta she truly knew in this vast metropolis called Alleria Prime. Well, she knew that something would come up, hopefully. After all, Arabella wasn't just going to dismiss her from her service. No, that girl wasn't like that. Kind, generous, good hearted, and yes, a bit naive to danger, but that had been Mikisho's job.

Had been. Those two words made the poor katta's spirits sink lower as she pushed open the Common Room door and made her entrance, unnoticed as always. Oh a few people raised their heads and gave her a cursory glance, shrugged and turned back to their drink, food, or conversation. It was crowded tonight as it always was. There seemed to be no empty tables and the bar had amassed many patrons there as well.

Even in this place, Mikisho felt lost. Who would she know here? No one. That's who. Oh well. All she wanted was a hot meal and something to drink. Oh, she could've been fed and fed well had she stayed at the Imperial Palace. One of Arabella's orders was that Mikisho was to be treated with great respect and given whatever she should require. Which was so very sweet of Arabella.

Mikisho was grateful. But it had been many days since she'd last seen Arabella and now, the young woman was always busy doing something. Well, she did have an empire to run as it were. Looking around, Mikisho scanned the crowd for danger, as she always did, and it was then, that her icy blue eyes settled on a very familiar personage.

Parreyon! It was him! He was here! But he had a guest with him, a rather large, rugged looking katta tigron. With one eye yet. She wondered if she could join them, she wondered if she should bother at all. Poor Mikisho felt so out of place that she hardly realized she'd made her way over to their table until she was standing but a few feet from the pair.

Clearing her throat softly, the sleek, little jagara asked quietly:

"I bid you good evening, gentleman. Would you mind terribly at all, if I were to join you?"

Mikisho stood there, looking almost ridiculously like a young kitta asking her parents if she can eat at the grown-up's table. Her fluffy tail twitching nervously, she waited for one or the other to reply or perhaps growl at her and tell her to get lost. Ears flattening, Mikisho was getting more anxious by the moment, but for a place that was so noisy to her it was the silence that was deafening.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

And so Parreyon was telling Arkahn of all his new news and the ramblings of the Empire when the scent of a wilderkatta enter his nostrils. It was not as if he had the ability to detect such things. It was because he knew this scent above most others. It was a radiant scent of wild beauty, the scent of an untamed katta woman that would never be controlled but always be sought after. It brought a smile to his face well before her first words were spoken.

Mikisho and Parreyon had begun a history together starting first with sideway glances and followed by time alone where Parreyon could show her places he grew up. He had developed strong feelings ... katta feelings ...for the Jagara that more than rivaled, the exceeded, the feelings he could remember having for Arilyn. Maybe not before her astrange mental state hit her regarding her destiny and such; but in truth he could not remember much of those brightenings to compare.

He had been too busy and instantly shamed himself for having not spent more time with her even if his duty had gone into full run since Bella was crowned Empress. The many glances and smiles between the two during meetings and such were like child's play and he wanted more of the quality of time that he had shared with her in the streets of Port Alyxandrya.

Parreyon rose from his chair to face her, extending a hand to soflty touch her own, "Mikisho, as always your scent radiates a room like a gentle breeze from within the Dolwoods." Most would not comprehend such a statement, but Parreyon had told Mikisho already that the magical forest held his heart greater than any other region on Telath. He had found Praaal-Ri and Tiala there. "It would be an honor to me if you joined us." Parreyon then pulled out a chair between him and Arkahn and aided her while sitting as a gentleman would do.

"Mikisho, this is a good friend of mine, Arkahn Th'alashar, soldier of the Empire and friend of the Crown." He then gave a wink to Arkahn and a smile to show the katta his care for this jagara woman.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn surpressed the urge not to laugh out loud. Parreyon was speaking about law like you kitta males would speak about a woman. Never had he seen his older friend so excited about anything, and the most terrifying thing was that Arkahn couldn't remotely understand Parreyon's excitement about a couple of words. He could see why they were important, without written law there would pretty much be no order at all, but to be excited about such a grave responsibility? No, the Tigron didn't envy the Pantheri at all. What did excite the Katta was the fact that Parreyon seemed to know people, above all the Empress. His heart raced as his mind did the same. Most of the time Arkahn's mind worked calm and orderly, picking up thoughts here and there and putting them in their right places. Often he worked slower than most people, but he hardly skipped a detail when it came to important business. And this was the most important business ever, yet his mind tumbled and raced all over the place, forming words that nearly jumped out of Arkahn's mind, the muscles of his mouth only barely strong enough to keep them in. He wanted to request an audience, a position more suitable to defend the Empire and restore order. He wanted to ask Parreyon's ears off but he couldn't. Not now. He would be too eager. Not beating about the bush was one thing, being flat-out eager was another.

Salvation arrived in a pretty package. A silken voice entered Arkahn's ears, his whiskers gently vibrating as he turned around to see who that voice belonged to. His one eye looked directly at a Jagarra, and a fine looking one at that. She was either a barwench or someone they knew, but Arkahn was fairly sure he had never seen her. You just didn't forget a face like that. Parreyon however did seem to know her and was quite eager to make a good impression. Slowly pieces found their place in Arkahn's already clogged up mind as he watched the scene unfold him. Parreyon's glances, his politeness, the wink. The old fool genuinely cared for this fine specimen of a female katta. And Arkahn couldn't blame. What he did blame the Pantheri for was the fact that he thought one wink was enough to keep Arkahn at bay. No, if the old man wanted the woman, he'd have to work for it. Nothing to extreme, just to make Parreyon sweat a bit. No conquer was to go without a battle, and the conquering of a heart would be no exception.

Arkahn nodded his head deeply at the Jaggara. "Pleased to meet you Mikisho, I never realised my friend knew fine women such as yourself. It is an honour." The Tigron said looking at her with his one eye, a smile curled around his lips. "Excuse my friend for not asking, bt would you care for something to drink? It seems awefully rude to sit you down at our table without offering you any kind of refreshment." The Tigron spoke kindly, waving for a waitress while throwing a devious glance at Parreyon.

[Morrigan]

Mikisho glanced over at Parreyon and tried to smile, but then the deep voice of the tigron reached her ears and she turned her full attention upon him as she nervously took a seat in between them, seeing no other chair available. Her tail twined and curled tightly about her lithe, sleek little body, the female katta had never, ever been the focus of two so very powerful and well, yes, very handsome males before.

One a pantheri, upholder of the law, her first true friend that she had ever told her tale to. And now, this tall, well muscled tigron who reminded her so much of her tigron friend back at...well, there really was nothing left of that and she was hard pressed to put such thoughts aside.

And so it was, that Mikisho returned Arkahn's greeting, her voice, as always, quiet. Her tail tip twitching, still anxious.

"I thank you both, for welcoming me to your table. I hope I did not interrupt your...meeting." She began nervously and then tried to manage a smile. What was wrong with her? She thought to herself. And then she continued speaking to Arkahn, though she included Parreyon in her gaze.

"Yes, I could do with a drink. It is rather cold outside and some nice, warm mulled wine would be nice."

The jagara was far too polite to ask for anything else. If food came with that offer, then so be it, but she would not order unless so allowed. That was the one thing about her, she never took more than whatever was offered her in all things in life. But looking at Parreyon, well, the jagara had taken all that the pantheri had given her thus far and have given hopefully given him much back

Mikisho knew how the pantheri felt about her and how she felt about him, and recently, she had begun to seek out more and more of his company, especially now that Arabella was the Empress and had an empire to rule. It left her little time to talk to her friend and once body-guard, Mikisho.

And so it was, tonight, that Mikisho had come here looking for Parreyon, hoping to offer her services to him in some way as perhaps a guard or an assistant or something. Miki was not one for inaction and wanted to be doing something, anything, if only to feel useful.

"And Arkahn Th'alashar, it is an honor to meet you. I apologize for my seeming lack of manners in greeting you, but I just find myself overwhelmed to be in the company of two such honorable and great katta such as yourselves..."

And with that, the poor jagara fell silent, afraid that one or both of them would just burst out laughing at her silly words to be sure. What a fool she must seem in their eyes. Her delicate ears flat against her skull and her tail lashing against her leg were the only signs of her discomfort and now, she wished that perhaps, she shouldn't have interrupted them at all.

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn shook his head with a smile. "Just sitting down with an old friend, that's all. You didn't interrupt anything important." He said calmly, giving Parreyon a knowing look. The Tigron might have been a little thick, he was everything but stupid or blind. ... As for honourable, you'd have to be speaking to Parreyon about that one. Ain't much honour in soldiering ma'am, but that's not why I joined up anyway. The Tigron said with a grin, not taking his one eye off of Mishiko. "And I don't know what Parreyon has told you about me, but if he mentioned greatness he was lying through his teeth." The Katta threw Mishiko a quick wink before turning back to Parreyon.

"So my friend. You meet a woman and not tell your old mate Arkahn? I'm deeply hurt, so you'd better cough up the story right now and make it a good one or I'll be forced to beat you once more, this time without interruptions." Arkahn leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest, smiling widely at Parreyon.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon could not help but laugh out loud when Arkahn dismissed any notion of him being honorable or great. It was very much like the tigron to play his soldier's life card to keep out of any spot light, even though deep inside Arkahn wanted to be known as a great soldier. Truth be Arkahn was a meaner soldier than Parreyon ever was, and that was meant in a good way. There was no one Parreyon knew that he'd prefer next to his side than Arkahn save maybe Veleraen, but then who wouldn't mind a giant fighting with you instead of against you.

Parreyon gave a warm smile to Mikisho and placed his paw on top of her not afraid of letting anyone know his feelings that the two already shared. He then turned to Arkahn, "I hope you do not get too offended Arkahn, but we did not have a unique story to tell of our meeting and now romance. Not to lighten the feelings we share for each other by any means. She served as our Empress' personal bodyguard during the time Lady Audrey ruled as Empress and Lady Arabella was being groomed for the throne. For further protection, when I was an active member of the Order of the Black Robe, Empress De'Lylles assigned me to protect Lady Arabella. Mikisho and I met doing our duty and have been together ever since.

But the how is not as important as the feelings. Now let us get back on topic. What brings you away from your grand soldiering as a General for Daltina to being a social butterfly in the famous pub of Alleria Prime. You are not one to get this close to politics without reason, so spit it out."

[Arkahn Th'alashar]

Arkahn's grin froze on his face as he listened to Parreyon mentioning Mishiko having been the personal guard of the current Empress. For a moment he looked at the both of them with an expression of unequalled surprise, his one eye growin to the size of a saucer as he had to fight the urge to jump up and salute the female Katta. The surprise quickly ebbed away however, making room for a hint of irritation focused on Parreyon. It was just like the Pantheri to keep such an important detail away from him and mention it so casually just to mess with him. And it had worked... again.

Quickly Arkahn composed himself, grinning a wide smile at Parreyon, shaking his head in disbelief. "You manage to amaze me everytime we meet old man. However, I'm glad to see the flame of love ignited in you once again, it should knock... I don't know, about 10 eras off of your age?" The Tigron leaned back with a slight smile, unable to pass up an opportunity to crack a joke about Parreyon's age compared to his. The Pantheri was right about him though, and it became clear to Arkahn how well Parreyon could read him. If there was anything Arkahn hated it was politicians. All talk but no punch and always meddling with military affairs they knew the least about. He smiled a bitter grin.

"You got that right my friend. Politics tend to kill a man before a good sword can, and there ain't no bleedin' shield in the Empire to protect you from that." Realising he was in the presence of a lady Arkahn would have blushed if he could, but he felt like it was too late to add an apology now. "But the answer to your question is pretty simple Parreyon. That massacre we called a war back in Malice set those brains of mine to work, and I think I found the means to prevent those sort of events from happening ever again. I'm here to personally see to it that the Major General at least listens to the idea of a humble soldier, and I'll be damned if he doesn't think about it." Arkahn added the last bit with a wink, which could only be discerned as such by the movement of his brow.